Colombian businessman Alex Saab has been appointed as the new industry minister in Venezuela by President Nicolas Maduro. Saab, a close ally of Maduro, was previously jailed in the US on money laundering charges but was freed in a prisoner exchange last year. His appointment comes after the resignation of Pedro Tellechea due to health issues.
Maduro announced the cabinet change on Friday, stating that Saab will be instrumental in developing Venezuela’s industrial system under a new economic model. Saab’s return to Venezuela in December 2023 was part of a deal that included the release of US prisoners held in Venezuela and a promise of free elections by the Maduro government.
The contested election in July, which saw Maduro declared the winner by the country’s electoral authorities and high court, has been met with skepticism by election oversight groups, human rights organizations, regional leaders, and the Venezuelan opposition. Pre-election polling had indicated Maduro was likely to lose to the opposition by a considerable margin.
Since the election, there has been a crackdown on dissent by the government, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the election results. Saab’s appointment as industry minister is seen as a move by Maduro to bolster Venezuela’s industrial sector under a new economic model, despite the ongoing political turmoil and disputed election results.
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